North Thurston Public Schools



LATE 20TH CENTURY

CHAPTER 10

Pre-World War II Overview

From the beginning of the Alaskan Gold

Rush to the end of World War II, Washington

experienced many changes. Between 1897 and

1945, our state changed almost daily. During this period, the population of Washington increased more than four times. The state’s total population went from 518,103 in 1900 to 2,378,962 by 1950.

Washington had become less rural and more

urbanized. The Puget Sound area was attracting

more people. Cities that had been small, such as

Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane, were growing into major urban centers.

Our young, inexperienced government

had now become a well-organized, smooth political system. The people of Washington have a history of supporting change. Women’s suffrage and the federal income tax are two areas of Washington reform. In earlier times, only males voted and held political office. By 1920, women finally received the right to vote. Women could now hold elected offices. They ran for a variety of state, county, and local government offices.

Prior to World War II, our Washington

economy suffered through the Great Depression like the rest of the country. Some industries were

becoming less important to the state economy.

Logging, fishing, mining, and even farming were fading in importance. Foreign trade, commerce, manufacturing, and government were becoming even more important.

Washington’s rural way of life was being

dramatically altered. New forms of refrigeration and irrigation systems, for example, changed farming practices in eastern Washington. An urban society was forming in and around our major cities. Industry was becoming more and more important to the state economy. Washington was now more competitive in the United States. Our state had also successfully competed in the tough world market.

Government continued to play a greater role in our state economy. Our federal government built new military bases. Even the older bases underwent expansion after World War II.

Washington’s transportation system also

experienced many changes from 1897 to 1945.

Fewer people used sailing vessels, wagons, and

horses for transportation. People were beginning

to travel more by car, train, airplane, truck, bus, ferry, and ship. Old dirt roads were made into

modern concrete highways. The highways crisscrossed the state. A new system of steel and

floating bridges connected the growing network

of roads. Locks and canals were built to improve

the shipping networks.

Trade within our nation increased. The

increase occurred because ships could now travel through the Panama Canal. This made it possible to ship goods to the East Coast much faster than before. Goods also moved overland by rail. Trucks were now being used to move goods, too. Foreign trade also increased to Asian and Alaskan markets. More trade lanes were being established in the Pacific Ocean.

People were linked by new forms of communication. The radio, typewriter, television, and telephone were replacing the telegraph and other simpler devices. Inventions produced many different kinds of tools, machines, and appliances. These inventions and forms of communication saved people time. Electricity and new kinds of engines allowed the farming and manufacturing industries new options. These new machines relied less on manual labor.

Washington’s natural landscape changed

during the first half of the 20th century. Once, land in eastern Washington had been unproductive. Now, irrigation allowed fruits, vegetables, and other products to grow. The Columbia and Snake rivers were being tamed. Several hydroelectric dams were

constructed. These dams stored water in giant reservoirs for future use. Much-needed electricity came from these dams. Abundant power attracted new industries, such as the aluminum industry.

The woodlands of western Washington were still being harvested. In contrast to the past, timber companies were now replanting where they had cut. New forests could grow in place of those removed.

During this time, our government was purchasing large wilderness areas to be set aside as national and state parks, wilderness areas, and national forests. Conserving land and recycling water and other products became higher priorities.

Post World War II Overview

Since World War II, Washington made a smooth transition from a wartime to a peacetime economy. Our economy experienced tremendous population growth and prosperity. In early 2001, the state’s total population surpassed six million.

Today the cities of Seattle, Everett, and Tacoma are heavily populated. They form one of the largest metropolitan areas in our country. In excess of three million people live in this metro area. Suburbs and small cities have filled in the space between these three major cities. The western portions of King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties are now densely populated. Cities have formed where only farms and forests once stood. A mixture of different cultures live in the urban areas of Washington.

Washington’s economy has more variety today than it did 50 years ago. Currently we are a world leader in the production of apples, aluminum, commercial aircraft, electricity, and software.

Washington is a national leader in the production of transportation equipment, wood and paper products, video games, nuclear energy, electronic devices, and measuring instruments.

Our state is a leading producer of apples, wheat, barley, sugar beets, potatoes, and cherries. Our farmers also produce berries, hops, sweet corn, peas, and tulip bulbs. However, today there are fewer farms. The farms are larger and more mechanized. Machines are doing more and more work. Farmers are able to produce more with each acre of land than ever before.

The skilled labor supply is expanding in Washington. There is a strong demand for talented, well-educated, and highly skilled workers. The result is very few people remain unemployed in our state. Skilled workers are needed by our large corporations. Corporations such as Boeing, Microsoft, and Weyerhaeuser are known throughout the world. High wages and good benefits attract workers to Washington. They come from all over our country and the world. The remainder of this

chapter will discuss the issues that face our

growing population.

Mother Nature’s Impact

During the 20th century, Washington was a

safe place to live. Residents did not suffer from

drought, starvation, or disease. Mother Nature has been very kind to the millions who reside within Washington. Even though the state has experienced natural disasters, very few human lives have been lost. Natural disasters such as blizzards, tornadoes, and hurricanes are very rare or do not happen at all in our state. Our state does have severe windstorms, flooding, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, though. Many of these natural disasters cannot be predicted by science. Windstorms happen frequently in western Washington. The two most destructive windstorms were the Columbus Day Storm of October 12, 1962 and the Inauguration Day Storm of January 20, 1993. Thousands of trees

were blown down knocking out power to many areas. Property damage totaled millions of dollars. A few people were even killed. Winter storms can flood many of the western Washington rivers. These are almost an annual event. Winter storms can bring warm temperatures. These storms cause the snow to melt in the mountains. Short rivers cannot handle both rain water and melting snow. The rivers then overflow their banks and flood.

There have been two very destructive floods in our state since World War II. The most damaging flood occurred on May 31, 1948. This was the Vanport Flood along the lower Columbia River. It killed 39 people and destroyed 5,000 homes. There was also

widespread flooding along the river valleys on both sides of the Cascades in November 1990.

Washington residents fear earthquakes and

volcanic eruptions. Recent eruptions and earthquakes have helped us prepare for these

unpredictable disasters. If either of these natural

disasters happens, it could devastate the region.

Western Washington has experienced three major

major earthquakes since World War II. The earthquake of 1949 caused eight deaths. Six died

in the quake of 1964. One death was recorded during the 6.8 magnitude earthquake on February 28, 2001.

Western Washington residents are very concerned about the so-called “Big One.” Scientists predict a major 8.0 to 9.0 magnitude earthquake will hit this region. They say this quake could occur any time in the near future. An earthquake of this magnitude would cause tremendous property damage and loss of life. After the May 18, 1980 eruption of Mount

Saint Helens, many residents feared another volcanic explosion. Scientists believe that the next major eruption will be Mount Rainier. It has the potential to be much more destructive than the eruption of Mount Saint Helens.

If Mount Rainier erupts, a sudden melt of its tremendous snow pack would likely result.

This rapid snowmelt would create dangerous mudflows, called lahars. The lahar debris would

bury everything in its path.

Millions of people live and work within sight of Mount Rainier. Its eruption could cause the

death of thousands of people. Homes

businesses, schools, bridges, and roads would all suffer damage. It is not a question of if, but when this quiet mountain will awake in fury! We just need to be prepared for that day.

Environmental Issues

Washingtonians have been active supporters of our nation’s environmental movements. Most want to preserve the natural beauty of Washington. They also want to protect the natural habitat for our wildlife. During the 1960s and 1970s, many basic environmental issues came to the forefront. Air, noise, and water pollution and endangered species issues have become common topics. How our land will be used is another important concern. These issues are discussed, debated, and often worked into new policies and

legislative acts.

The drilling for oil in Alaska’s North Slope

and Prudhoe Bay raised two main concerns. The

impact on the vegetation and wildlife concerns

many. Those concerned also want to know how

the environment would be affected by an 800

mile pipeline. Many people are still worried

about its operation.

The 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska’s

Prince William Sound caused many to object to

the use of large supertankers. This disaster killed

thousands of animals and sea life. The clean up

was also costly and time consuming. We still do

not really know the long-term impact of the spill

on the environment.

Why is Prince William Sound important? Oil

tankers transport Alaskan oil into Puget Sound.

Crude oil is presently shipped into two major

oil refineries in Washington. They are located at

the ports of Anacortes and Ferndale. People fear

what may happen to our environment if an oil

tanker runs aground in one of our waterways.

A similar accident in Puget Sound as the Exxon

Valdez oil spill would have a major negative

environmental impact on our economy.

The preservation of salmon has been another

controversial issue in Washington. For several

decades it has been the topic of many important

discussions. There are two basic issues. How do

we ensure the annual runs of salmon? Who can

harvest salmon? There are no simple solutions

to either question.

In 1974, Federal Judge George Boldt wrote a

decision to partially answer the salmon harvest

question. The Boldt Decision declared that

Native Americans could harvest 50% of the

annual catch. Commercial and recreational

fishers could split the remaining 50%. The

United States Supreme Court upheld the Boldt

Decision on July 2, 1979.

The federal government and various

environmental groups argue that dams on the

lower Snake River should be breached. To breach

the dam would mean the dam could no longer

provide electricity, water for irrigation, or flood

control. The rivers would then return to their

natural course and cycle. Environmentalists

believe this would help the migrating salmon

return to their spawning grounds. What are the

trade-offs? Salmon for jobs? What are the

economic costs and environmental benefits?

These issues are difficult to solve.

Another environmental controversy is the

Makah tribe’s request to resume their traditional

gray whale hunt. The whale hunt has been a

tradition of their people for centuries. The

federal government granted the Makah’s

request. The issue, however, is not yet resolved.

Environmental groups such as Greenpeace

protested the Makah whale hunts.

During the 1990s, timber companies wanted

to harvest some of our old growth forest areas.

However, the Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) banned loggers from cutting old growth

trees. The EPA said that logging these forests

would destroy the habitat of an endangered

specie, the northern spotted owl. An Endangered

Specie Act ruled in favor of protecting the owl.

These two decisions hurt the timber industry for

several years.

There are several other controversial issues

still outstanding. These issues include a third

runway at SeaTac airport, mass or rapid transit

systems, and vehicle emissions. Other issues

constantly will and do arise.

Washington’s population is sure to continue

its rapid increase. As it does, there will be more

pressure on our land. Cities and residents will

need more land on which to live and work. The

question is how will these communities,

governments, and environmental groups work

together to solve these difficult issues?

Social, Cultural, and Political Issues

After the end of World War II, our American

society experienced many social, cultural, and

political changes. Washington was obviously

affected by these changes.

During World War II, millions of men and

women served in the armed forces. Many

women left home to work. Aircraft,

shipbuilding, and wood product industries

employed thousands of women. Men and

women worked together to produce war

materials and other necessary products.

After World War II, most women left the

workforce. They returned to their roles as fulltime

homemakers and mothers. The “Baby

Boom” era dominated the late 1940s and early

1950s. Postwar couples had children and were

committed to maintaining healthy, happy

marriages. Religion was important. In fact, most

family members attended church. Both the

family unit and the community were stable.

During the late 1940s and 1950s, most people

wanted a well-paying job. They attempted to

save money, buy a house and car, and enjoy their

increased leisure time. Most households had

only one income source. Smoking, alcoholism,

and an increasing crime rate became serious

social issues. Overall, though, the society was

stable and prosperous.

The American society drastically changed

during the 1960s and 1970s. It was a period of

social, political, and personal change. The

American family also changed. Many

adolescents and young adults began to rebel.

Rebellion was directed against the authority of

their parents. They also frequently spoke out

against and questioned the government.

The use of tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs

was on the rise. Teenagers and young adults

supported the “Rock and Roll” era in music.

Many participated in the “sexual revolution.”

Families and communities were frequently

divided over character and moral issues. Proper

social behavior was another dividing topic.

During the twenty years between 1954 and

1974, Americans and Washingtonians had

concerns about four major controversial issues.

These issues were the Civil Rights Movement,

the Women’s Rights Movement, the Vietnam

War, and the legalization of abortion.

The Civil Rights Movement began

peacefully. It soon became a very emotional and

violent issue. The country was also divided over

the racial desegregation and Title IX programs.

They were hotly disputed social issues.

Peaceful, nonviolent protests became violent

and very destructive race riots. Many urban

areas in the country suffered loss of life. Property

damage totaled millions of dollars. The most

violent race riots took place in Los Angeles,

Detroit, Newark, and Washington D.C.

Fortunately, the state of Washington did not

experience similar race riots.

The Vietnam War (1964-1973) and the

military draft issue caused many to protest.

Demonstrations against the draft were filled

with strong emotions. Opposition and support

groups had strong feelings about both issues.

Emotions ran high!

Another issue that greatly divided

Americans was the legalization of abortion. The

United States Supreme Court’s controversial

“Roe versus Wade” (1973) decision legalized a

woman’s right to have an abortion.

From the 1970s into the 21st century, our

society has been divided into the “Right-to-Life”

and the “Pro-Choice” groups. Outspoken

supporters of each side seem unable to

compromise. This issue has been at the center

of many political debates and demonstrations.

Today people are more understanding. If we

do not agree, we are more likely to tolerate an

issue than to act out against it. Issues are

generally settled through compromise, not by

violent actions. Our American society is more

open. Controversial issues have not

disappeared, though. Modern issues such as gay

and animal rights, crime rate, sexual abuse and

harassment, child and drug abuse, and many

other issues will be debated in the future.

Our society has changed immensely over the

years. Americans have enjoyed greater

freedoms, prosperity, and opportunities than

ever before. The tragic events on September 11,

2001 were a wake up call. This terrorist attack

on our homeland reminded us that our freedom

and liberty come at a price!

Heavily populated western Washington has

a tremendous influence on our state political

scene. Washington also has been powerful on

the national political scene.

Political changes have been rather smooth

and frequent since World War II. Governors such

as Daniel Evans, Booth Gardner, and Gary Locke

have played a vital role in attracting business

and trade to our state. Prominent senators such

as Warren Magnuson, Henry Jackson, and Slade

Gorton have given our state credibility in our

nation’s capital.

Several women have also provided strong

political leadership at the state and federal levels

in recent times. The only female governor in our

state was Dixie Lee Ray. Other prominent female

leaders from our state include congresspersons

Linda Smith, Catherine May, Jennifer Dunn,

Patty Murray, and Maria Cantwell.

Technological Improvements

Washington and its people have benefited

from new inventions and advancements in

technology. Water irrigates crops in the semiarid

climate of eastern Washington. Our dams

provide power to states as far away as California.

People communicate via the computer and

Internet. What will the next 50 years bring in

advancements?

Washington benefited from the construction

of many hydroelectric dams along the Columbia

and Snake rivers. These dams were built

between the 1930s and 1970s. Fifteen of these

dams were built in Washington. Eleven dams

are on the Columbia River and four are along

the lower Snake River.

Hydroelectric dams provide electricity to

Washington residents. They also provide power

to customers around the western United States.

All this power brought the aluminum industry

to Washington. Aluminum was produced in vast

quantities during the 1940s and 1950s.

Aluminum is still produced today.

In addition, each dam is designed to store

water in a reservoir. Reservoir water provides

power, recreation, and wildlife preserves. Dams

also provide irrigation water to farmers. The

largest dam, Grand Coulee, provides the most

water for irrigation. The water from Grand

Coulee is transported by canal to the Columbia

Basin Irrigation Project. This project became

operational in the 1950s and 1960s. It

transformed nearly a million acres of desert into

productive farmland. The land, now moist from

irrigation water, produces a variety of crops.

The changes in refrigeration also helped

Washington farmers. It allowed them to ship

perishable goods greater distances around the

world. The fruit industry benefited most from

advancements in refrigeration. Controlled

Atmosphere (CA) facilities enabled apples,

cherries, and other fruit to be stored for future

sale. Fruit could now be sold year round!

Immediately after World War II, new

communication systems were installed in

Washington. Seattle’s KING Channel 5 television

station was the first to broadcast local news.

Telephone, fiber optics, and digital networks

were built around the state. As a result of these

advancements, we can now share information

via television, radio, and satellite. We can even

get information from our computers. As you

know, most computers are connected to the

world wide web, or Internet.

Since the Second World War, scientists and

engineers made major contributions. Engineers

designed and constructed many types of bridges

in our state. New bridges included the Lake

Washington, Evergreen Point, I-90, Hood Canal

floating bridges, and the famous Tacoma

Narrows Bridge. These bridges link important

cities and communities to other areas of the state.

Seattle’s 42 story Smith Tower was once the

tallest building west of the Mississippi River. It

is now dwarfed by the 76 story Bank of America

Tower and many other skyscrapers. Our state’s

most famous building is none other than the

Space Needle. It was built in 1962 for the World’s

Fair. Seattle is recognized by people around the

world because of the Space Needle.

In the 1950s and 1960s, our federal

government began an ambitious project. It

wanted to connect every major city in the

country with a series of highways. This project

was the Interstate Highway system. Washington

has two interstates crossing the state. They are

Interstate 5 (I-5) and Interstate 90 (I-90). I-5 links

major cities from Bellingham in the north to

Vancouver in the south. It continues south from

Vancouver to the Mexican border. I-90 links all

the major cities between Seattle and Spokane. It

continues east from Spokane all the way to

Boston, Massachusetts.

Washington has a large air, water, and

ground transportation network. Both freight and

people are transported within the system.

However, the state’s rugged landscape, rapidly

increasing population, and many automobiles

have created traffic gridlock. Traffic congestion

has increased in every area of the state. Gridlock

is a major problem today, especially in urban

cities of western Washington.

Washington has been a leader in the

development of medicines, drugs, and new

health care techniques. Washington has some of

the best health care facilities. Several of our

doctors and their staffs conduct important

research into cancer, the human genome, and

other branches of medicine. They seek cures for

many diseases. Life expectancy has improved

as a direct result of these medical research efforts.

Science and technology have had a major

impact in agriculture and animal husbandry

fields. New breeds of plants and animals have

been bred. Food production has increased, and

production methods have improved with

scientific advancements.

High technology industries have thrived in

Washington since the late 1970s. Washington

corporations are respected world-wide as

leaders in the Information Age.

Energy Issues

During World War II, the United States’ top

secret “Manhattan Project” thrust our country

and the world into the “Nuclear Age.” The threat

of nuclear annihilation had become a reality.

A barren area in south central Washington

was selected as the site for the Hanford Atomic

Works. The nuclear reservation was built along

the Columbia River. It lies just north of the city

of Richland. During the Cold War, Hanford

produced materials for the nuclear arsenal.

Today, Hanford produces nuclear energy. It is

also the site of the largest radioactive cleanup

project in the country.

Washington’s energy sources were once

limited. Limited, that is, until the construction

of dams on the Columbia River. New dams

provided a huge supply of low cost electricity.

Cheap electricity helped create our rapid

industrial growth during the later 20th century.

Washington experienced growing energy

demands, though, with the arrival of more

industry and people. A third powerhouse was

completed at Grand Coulee Dam in 1976. Its

powerhouse helped provide the extra electricity

that was so desperately needed.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Washington

sought to further expand its energy output. Five

nuclear power plants were planned for

construction. Three nuclear plants were to be

built at Hanford. Two were planned for Satsop,

near Elma, in southwestern Washington.

The Washington Public Power Supply

System (WPPSS) was formed to construct and

operate the five nuclear power plants. This was

to be a very expensive project. WPPSS borrowed

billions of dollars to carry out their construction

plans. WPPSS faced increased production costs

and high interest payments during the 1980s.

In 1983, WPPSS defaulted on its bonds. They

were forced to declare bankruptcy and stop

construction. These four partially completed

plants still sit idle today. They have been

“mothballed.” If any of those four nuclear plants

had been completed, our state may not have

faced electrical shortages in the winter of 2001.

An earlier energy crisis happened in the

1970s and 1980s. This was the result of a

reduction in supplies of petroleum around the

world. The reduced supply of oil was the result

of the Arab Oil Embargo in 1974. Further actions

by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting

Countries, or OPEC, in the late 1970s and early

1980s caused an even higher price for oil.

This high price for oil caused other prices to

skyrocket. It cost companies more to make and

ship products. This was a difficult time for both

Washingtonians and Americans. In response to

those hard times during the oil embargo,

America searched for new sources of oil. Large

deposits of oil were found in Alaska. Such an

important find helped ease our dependency on

foreign oil.

Today, in the 21st century, Washington again

faces the need for more energy. Alternative

energy sources may be developed. New

conservation practices will surely be used.

Producers of energy will continue to clash with

environmentalists. We can all help by conserving

as much energy as possible.

The Economy

During World War II, the wartime economies

of the United States and Washington operated

at full capacity. Nearly every adult was working.

Unemployment rates were extremely low.

Production records were broken. Demand was

strong for our war materials during this period.

After the war, the economy switched from

producing war goods to consumer goods and

services. The transition from a wartime to a

peacetime economy is never easy. Recessions

normally occur during these periods.

Washington’s economy was strong

throughout the late 1940s and into the 1960s. The

Cold War Era (1945-1991) kept the demand for

war materials higher than normal. The Cold War

was a period when communist governments

and western democracies felt threatened by each

other. The former Soviet Union and the United

States were the two countries at the center of

the Cold War.

The Boeing Company benefited most from

the Cold War. Boeing was a major defense

contractor. It continued to design and build new

military aircraft, especially long-range bombers,

well into the 1960s.

American consumers did not buy many

goods during either the Great Depression or the

Second World War. After the war, Washington

consumers bought homes, appliances, furniture,

and cars. Our country slowly became stronger

economically. Little by little, Americans became

more financially stable.

During the 1960s, Boeing changed its focus.

It had been making military aircraft. They

instead decided to build commercial aircraft.

Soon Boeing was the leading commercial aircraft

manufacturer in the United States.

Boeing employed tens of thousands of

highly skilled workers. As Boeing expanded, the

Seattle area of Puget Sound prospered. However,

this growth would not last. The airplane

industry has rapid periods of growth. Growth

periods are then followed by periods of little or

no growth. This means they tend to boom and

then bust.

Since World War II, our state’s toughest

economic time was the so-called, “Boeing

Depression.” This depression lasted from 1969

to 1971. During this period, Boeing did not sell

a single plane. Many major military contracts

were lost. To make matters worse for Boeing, the

federal government canceled the Supersonic

Transport, or SST project.

In response to the lack of orders, Boeing laid

off 84,000 workers in just two years. This sent

the Puget Sound economy into a depression.

Literally tens of thousands of highly skilled

machinists and engineers were unemployed

during the Boeing Depression. Many workers

and their families left our state looking for work.

Fortunately most of these well-educated and

talented workers stayed in the Seattle area.

From these times of economic trouble, a

whole new group of businesses grew in the

Seattle area. Those unemployed, highly

educated, and skillful workers started many new

businesses and industries.

Washington’s flourishing high technology

industries began to expand in the early 1970s.

Probably the biggest benefit to our state was the

variety of the new businesses that evolved.

A diversified economy is more stable. In a

diversified economy, many types of business

and industry operate. A diversified economy is

not subject to the “boom and bust” cycles

caused when one industry dominates an area.

Washington’s economy was strong in the

1980s. In the 1990s, the Puget Sound area

flourished. This was a direct result of the rapid

growth in the manufacturing, high technology,

government, military, and service sectors.

The beginning of the 21st century has seen a

slowing of Washington’s economy. Agriculture,

wood products, aluminum, and dot com

industries have been struggling.

International Trade and Relations

Washington is located geographically within

the Pacific Northwest. This location has its

advantages and disadvantages.

Washington is far from the major markets of

California, the South, and the eastern United

States. In terms of international trade,

Washington is geographically closer to Alaska

and the Orient than are any of the other 48

contiguous states. This is why we ship products

around the world.

Alaska and Washington have a long history

of conducting trade. Gold, crude oil, wood

products, salmon, and other seafoods have been

shipped between Alaska and Washington. Our

processed foods and a variety of manufactured

goods have traveled through Washington ports

to Alaska.

In the post World War II era, Washington has

been an active trading partner with the countries

of the Pacific Rim. Our major Pacific Rim trading

partners include Japan, South Korea, Taiwan,

Singapore, and Hong Kong. Products are

shipped to and from these countries.

The economies of these growing countries

in Asia have helped our economy. They are

valued trading partners of Washington. There

is great value in goods exported and imported

between our ports and the Pacific Rim countries.

Tens of billions of dollars change hands in trade

each year.

During the decade after the Cold War

(1945-1991), major changes occurred in

international trade. Communism fell in the

Soviet Union. This allowed capitalism and the

free enterprise system to emerge in Russia.

China, still a communist country, opened its

borders to our products. These two nations have

had a major impact on Washington’s

international trade.

During the 1990s, the United States, Canada,

and Mexico signed the North American Free

Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. As a direct result

of this agreement, trade increased between these

countries. In addition, more Latin American and

European countries conduct valuable trade

through our seaports.

Perhaps the most important changes in trade

have occurred in Asia. New trade agreements

and improved international relations have

emerged. Such changes have opened new Asian

markets to trade.

Direct trade with the Soviet Union, Red

China, and North Vietnam was not politically

possible during the Cold War Era. A large

volume of trade is now conducted with new

Asian trading partners. These trading partners

include China, Russia, Vietnam, Indonesia,

Thailand, Philippines, Pakistan, and the Pacific

World countries.

Washington seaports, river ports, and

airports have improved their facilities. They

have better inland transportation systems and

networks. Improvements have resulted in a

quicker turnaround time and more efficient

movement of goods to markets throughout the

United States.

Our economy will benefit from continued

growth of two-way trade between the United

States and Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific

World. New trade organizations will continue

to lower trade barriers. This will result in more

market access for Washington exports.

Washington is rapidly becoming a major link

between the world’s three major economic

markets. These markets are the European Union,

North America, and Asia. Washington still

exports its natural resources all over the world.

In addition, our new industries, such as aircraft

and technology, are increasingly important

world trade items.

Chapter Summary

Once upon a time not so long ago, the state

of Washington was an isolated wilderness area.

With few people and even fewer industries,

Washington had virtually no impact upon our

national economy.

Washington changed in the 20th century.

Since World War II, Washington has emerged as

a national and international leader.

Today, our residents are major participants

economically, politically, and culturally. They

participate on national and global scales. The

state and its people will continue to be major

contributors to our national and world society.

Challenges and questions face each

Washingtonian. How will we preserve, conserve,

and maintain the natural beauty of our state?

How will we, at the same time, help our

economy grow? This will be a constant struggle.

Hopefully our voters and decision makers will

carefully review all factors. The future will be

determined by the decisions and responses we

will make to these challenging questions.

CHAPTER REVIEW ACTIVITIES

1. Use either a dictionary or the glossary to define each of the following terms:

breeching floating bridge life cycle sawlog

demonstration gridlock locks software

environment lahar reservoir technology

2. Identify each of the following:

Baby Boomers Endangered Species Act KING Channel 5 OPEC

C.A. E.P.A. Northern Spotted Owl SST

3. Locate the following on a Washington, Pacific Northwest, or world map:

Columbia Basin Irrigation System Galliard Cut Interstate 5

Interstate 90 King County the Orient

Pierce County Prudhoe Bay Prince William Sound

Satsop Space Needle Vietnam

4. Each of the following historical events are not in their proper chronological order.

Identify the date of each event or historical era.

1. Boeing Depression 4. Cold War 7. Vanport Flood

2. Civil Rights Movement 5. Mt. St. Helens 8. Vietnam War

3. Columbus Day Storm 6. “Roe vs Wade” 9. WPPSS bankruptcy

5. Write a short descriptive essay answering each of the following questions.

A) Identify and list six examples of major changes in the way Washingtonians live

their life from 1900 to 2000.

B) Washington is a leading producer of several agricultural products and

manufactured goods. Identify ten examples.

C) Select one specific historic event between WWII and today which has had the

greatest impact on your life. Explain how this has changed your life.

D) Describe several examples of how technology has made improvements in our

standards of living.

................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download